V for Vendetta Movie Review
A suspenseful sci-fi story, adapted from one of the best graphic novels by Alan Moore. The dystopian scenery is eerie & disturbing.
Genre: Action / Drama / Science Fiction
Director: James McTeigue
Cast: Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, Stephen Rea, Stephen Fry, Tim Piggot-Smith, Rupert Graves, Roger Allam, Sinéad Cusack & John Hurt.
Run Time: 132 min.
US Release: 17 March 2006
UK Release: 17 March 2006
German Release: 16 March 2006
Happy fifth of November everyone! I had planned for so many years to review this movie on this day, but it never came to fruition. Now, I finally found the time to write about one of my most impactful motion-picture experiences! I never managed to get to see this in cinemas, instead watching it for the first time when a friend brought the DVD over. Never mind that I missed it in theatres, however, as I was equally riveted from beginning to end! A common misconception is that it was directed by the Wachowskis, when in fact they only penned the script. So, put on your masks, draw your daggers and slash with me through my review!
— WARNING, THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS! —
In a future British dystopian society, under the rule of a tyrannically fascist regime, young Evey Hammond is an employee of the state-run British Television Network. Soon she becomes the number one enemy of the state, together with an enigmatic freedom fighter known only as "V". V hides her in his underground lair, and while reluctant to the idea at first, a bond soon forms between the two individuals. In the meanwhile, the police inspector tasked with capturing the vigilante, Eric Finch, gradually unmasks the mysterious past of V.
In a future British dystopian society, under the rule of a tyrannically fascist regime, young Evey Hammond is an employee of the state-run British Television Network. Soon she becomes the number one enemy of the state, together with an enigmatic freedom fighter known only as "V". V hides her in his underground lair, and while reluctant to the idea at first, a bond soon forms between the two individuals. In the meanwhile, the police inspector tasked with capturing the vigilante, Eric Finch, gradually unmasks the mysterious past of V.
Being an adaptation of Alan Moore’s most popular comic book, the Wachowskis stayed largely faithful to the tale, only making slight changes to accommodate the two-hour plot, also substituting parts that would not transfer well on screen. That said, where the screenplay succeeds, is blending a socio-political plot, with action-packed segments, unlike anything I have ever seen before. Equilibrium, a dystopian sci-fi feature directed by Kurt Wimmer, tried something similar four years prior, though it did not manage to balance those two segments as good as the Wachowskis did.
The political and philosophical themes are just as important today, as they were back in 2006 when this premise was released, or as they were in the 80s when the graphic novel was published. No regime should be able to oppress art, literature, religion or sexual orientation, just as no population should be afraid of their government. The flick inspired political groups to stand against tyranny or silencing regimes, while the Guy Fawkes mask, became a symbol in protests, as well as an icon in popular culture.
At the same time, it contains a handsome sub-plot, focusing on the unlikely bond formed between the freedom fighter V and the terrified Evey. Their growing relationship contains a strange relatability, which audiences can sympathise with, including two emotionally gut-wrenching moments that always leave me with a teary eye. The first one is the “biography”, written by next-door inmate Valerie, once she knows she will die. The second one is when Evey explains to inspector Finch that the identity of who V was, is not important, as he represents the spirit of freedom and rebellion in all the people.
The dialogues are equally impressive, containing over-the-top Shakespearean monologues by V, which collide with the frighteningly authentic political discussions inside the party. Conversations focus mostly on freedom rights, including political or philosophical opinions.
Natalie Portman gives one of her best performances as the second lead Evey. A frightened, somewhat naive young woman, working for the government's BNT broadcasting network. Evey undergoes a metamorphosis, funny enough similar to Neo in The Matrix, changing from a blind, afraid little girl, who is covering her eyes to what is happening in her country, to a strong independent woman, free of fear. Portman plays wonderfully of Weaving, both depicting a good, unlikely duo on screen.
Hugo Weaving gives a standout performance as the larger-than-life vigilante V, whose face is covered by a Guy Fawks mask throughout the entire runtime. However, one can always understand the emotions this character is going through, thanks to the brilliant intonation of Weaving, which even if over-the-top, reflects V’s emotional state perfectly. His chemistry with Portman is fantastic, with the blossoming love depicted in a very unconventional way, which suits the narrative very well. This makes V’s death much more impactful.
Stephen Rea gives another brilliant rendition as Chief inspector Eric Finch. An officer of the law, investigating the terrorist attacks of V, while at the same time uncovering the vigilante’s past, which is ultimately linked to the rise of the fascist Norsefire party he works for. Finch comes face-to-face with a decision; to blindly close his eyes about his party’s past, or to let the regime fall.
Further brilliant performances are given by Stephen Fry, as Evey’s boss and the head of a talk show on British National Television, Gordon Dietrich. Tim Pigott-Smith depicts the cold-blooded, unloyal Peter Creedy. Finally, John Hurt’s short screentime performance, as the tyrannical, yet cowardly High Chancellor Sutler, is also powerful.
The cinematography is gorgeous! This is a beautiful-looking film to date, making use of stunning visual symbolisms, perfectly captured action choreography, as well as an amazing usage of shadow plus light. Perfectly intersected cuts are embedded to create suspense, while grainy television footage is used as flashbacks, to flesh out the fictional history.
McTeigue makes good use of practical and computer-generated effects, although the slow-motion sequence during the last battle was a little unnecessary, making the whole scene look rather silly. The set decoration is out of this world, giving V’s layer a lot of details. This contrasts once again with the cold, minimalist headquarters of Norsefire, overshadowed by the giant screen, in which the High Chancellor talks down to his cronies.
The musical score is composed by Dario Marianelli, who created an unforgettable sound that blends mystery and fantasy with melancholy. The sound effects of the detonations timed perfectly with Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” is simply explosive!
Verdict: McTeigue’s adaptation of Moore’s brilliant British dystopian graphic novel, scripted by the Wachowski siblings, might be the best comic book movie to date! It is hauntingly beautiful, eerie, frightening, yet feels so realistically possible. The screenplay takes slight liberties with displaying the graphic novel but is as close an adaptation of it as it can be. The pain, love and sense of freedom invoked in the audience are authentic. Dialogues are both philosophical, as well as political, using the arts of literature, film plus canvas painting to convey an important message. The powerhouse performances by Hugo Weaving, just like Natalie Portman are memorable, while the supporting cast gives equally fantastic renditions. The camera work is impeccable, using flashbacks to flesh out the bleak fictional future of Britain. Light and shadows are used to full effect. V for Vendetta is not only a masterful comic book adaptation, it is an essential piece of cinema. V for Vendetta fully deserves a 9.5 out of 10.
Have you seen V for Vendetta? If not, give it this Saturday a try, or maybe it is time to rewatch it. Thank you for reading & if you like the content, please subscribe!